Verdict
Formal finding of fact by a jury on matters submitted by a judge.
A verdict is the formal finding of fact made by a jury on matters or questions submitted to the jury by a judge. In a bench trial, the judge's decision near the end of the trial is simply referred to as a finding.
- Etymology
- From Latin veredictum, literally 'to say the truth'; derived from Middle English verdit, from Anglo-Norman: ver ('true') and dit ('speech').
- Criminal verdicts
- Either 'not guilty' or 'guilty'; different counts may have different verdicts.
- Directed verdict
- An order from the presiding judge to the jury to return a particular verdict; in the U.S., the prosecution may never seek a directed verdict of guilty.
- Compromise verdict
- Not permitted; defined as a verdict reached only by surrender of conscientious convictions by some jurors in return for relinquishment by others.
- Special verdict
- A verdict by a jury that makes specific factual conclusions rather than (or in addition to) declaration of guilt or liability.
- Sealed verdict
- Put into a sealed envelope when there is a delay in announcing the result; kept sealed until court reconvenes.
Lore & Background
The term 'verdict' originates from the Latin veredictum, meaning 'to say the truth', and entered English through Middle English and Anglo-Norman. In criminal cases, the jury hands down a verdict of 'not guilty' or 'guilty', and different counts in the same case may have different verdicts. A verdict of guilty generally requires evidence beyond reasonable doubt and is followed by a judgment of conviction and sentencing. In the United States, the verdict is the jury's finding on questions of fact; the judge then enters judgment on the verdict, which is the final order.
Reader's Guide
The concept of a verdict is central to jury trials, representing the jury's formal finding of fact. Various types of verdicts exist: a general verdict is a complete finding and single conclusion on all issues; a special verdict involves specific factual conclusions; a directed verdict is an order from the judge to return a particular verdict, typically when no reasonable jury could decide otherwise; a compromise verdict, reached by surrender of convictions, is not permitted; and a sealed verdict is used when there is a delay in announcement. In England and Wales, the equivalent of a directed verdict is a motion of no case to answer, and a judge may not direct a verdict of guilty under any circumstances. The special verdict has a historic function of tempering rules of law by common sense, though some justices have disapproved of it even in civil cases. The verdict remains a key mechanism for resolving factual disputes in legal proceedings.
Did You Know?
- The term 'verdict' derives from Latin veredictum, literally meaning 'to say the truth'.
- A compromise verdict is not permitted, as it involves surrender of conscientious convictions by some jurors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a verdict in legal proceedings?
A verdict is the jury's formal determination of the facts in a case, based on specific questions the judge has submitted to them. In a bench trial without a jury, the judge's equivalent determination is simply called a 'finding.'
Where does the word 'verdict' come from?
The term traces back to the Latin 'veredictum,' essentially meaning 'to say the truth.' It passed through Anglo-Norman, combining 'ver' (true) with 'dit' (speech), before appearing in Middle English as 'verdit.'
What verdicts can a jury return in a criminal trial?
In a criminal case, the jury must return either a 'guilty' or 'not guilty' verdict. When multiple counts are at issue, the jury is permitted to reach different verdicts on different counts within the same trial.
What is a directed verdict?
A directed verdict is an order from the presiding judge instructing the jury to return a particular outcome. In the United States, the prosecution is never allowed to seek a directed verdict of guilty.
What is a sealed verdict?
A sealed verdict is one placed into a sealed envelope when there is a delay before the result can be announced in open court. The envelope stays sealed until the court reconvenes to formally open and read it.
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